Nandankanan Zoo Welcomes 11 New Animal Species in Exchange Program

Bhubaneswar: The Nandankanan Zoological Park (NZP), a premier wildlife attraction in Odisha’s capital, has added 11 new species of animals and birds to its collection as part of an animal exchange program with Nehru Zoological Park, Hyderabad.

The exchange, conducted with the approval of the Central Zoo Authority (CZA), saw a 17-member team from Hyderabad deliver the animals to Nandankanan yesterday.

Among the new arrivals are two sarus cranes, two spoonbills, two grey jungle fowls, two iguanas, two barbary doves, four hog deer, two mouse deer, two red sand boas, two common sand boas, two bonnet macaques, and two Russell’s vipers. These additions will not only enrich the zoo’s biodiversity but also strengthen the genetic pool of existing species.

In exchange, Nandankanan provided Nehru Zoological Park with five species, including three Siamese crocodiles, four golden pheasants, two Lady Amherst’s pheasants, two hog deer, and two mouse deer.

This exchange program is part of Nandankanan’s ongoing efforts to bolster conservation and biodiversity. By adding new species and introducing fresh bloodlines, the zoo aims to enhance its breeding programs and improve the genetic diversity of its animal population.

The exchange marks the first phase of collaboration between the two zoos. In the second phase, Nandankanan is set to receive two female bonnet macaques in exchange for four Asian open bill storks and four Assamese macaques.